Jason Hinchey

Jason Hinchey

By Gerald Gilbert

He has already supported Squeeze front man Chris Difford, released his own CD, played at the Pavilion and countless other venues around the country. Now Boscombe based folk singer and song writer Jason Hinchey is set for the biggest gig of his career when he performs at Covent garden as part of the Olympic celebrations.

Though he confesses to be a big fan of reggae music and what he calls the buzz from getting people up on their feet, his own music is more like the 60s folk era. Indeed he said he would like to be the next ‘Irish Bob Dylan’.

Despite his current success, his dreams go much further. Yes he dreams big time.

When asked what would be his most prestigious gig he said, ‘Vicar Street’, which is a famous Dublin bar that has hosted the cream of the Irish folk/rock scene such as Van Morrison, The Dubliners, the Chieftains and Jason’s biggest all time hero and the one he models himself on, Christi Moore.

His idea of success does not stop there and Jason said that on a good day when he is feeling positive about himself: “Vicar Street is only one stop on the way to Carnegie Hall.”

Jason’s musical influences go way back to his childhood. His mother encouraged him to sing as a boy and after his parents split he had some unexpected Irish /American visitors. It was while watching them at ‘Flannigan’s bar’ that he had a life changing moment and thought: “I’d like to do that.”

He has never been one for dreaming small. He dreamed of being a singer since the age of eight along with other dreams of being up there with the best, such as the best lorry driver or a champion jockey.

It was only after getting into Christy Moore that he went for the folk music scene with gusto. He has met his idol a number of times, he runs two folk clubs and teaches others his skills.

After a troubled start to adult life which took him to ‘destruction and hell’ in which he said led to lots of sadness and pain for himself family and friends. He settled in Boscombe. “I wasn’t on the right path, he said. It was here he bought his first guitar and he has gone from one success to another

When asked why he does it he said: “To bring songs to people, joy and laughter, spirit, energy, humour, a bit of sadness. I’d like to bring all that, especially dance.

Even though he says he likes reggae music more he still loves folk music and he emphasised repeatedly the altruistic motive of giving joy to others and getting them dancing.

It is the buzz of seeing that, he says. Yet there are other reasons, he said: “To play a song and think about that situation is great.” He added that it is good to be able to express the way he sees things at times through word and music.

He is now concentrating on writing more of his own songs, some of which can be heard on his first Boscombe made CD ‘The road to Vicar Street, and promoting himself. He says he want to find his own voice and carry a message of unity and love.

For this Boscombe musician music has given him self esteem, confidence and purpose after years of living without those virtues.

When asked what keeps his dreams alive, he said: “Because part of me believed that I could do it.”

He added: “When you have got the confidence to believe in what you are doing is good people will believe it themselves.”

It looks like the road to Vicar Street may not be that far away.

Jason performs at the Royal Opera House ‘ in Covent Garden London on July 2nd 2012. This is part of the Open mic event in aid of ‘Streetwiseopera’ for the Olympic celebrations.